Three students from Faith Lutheran College, Tanunda, spent their school holidays in the shed at the Adelaide Showground learning the ropes of the sheep industry at SA Sheep Expo.
Olivia Heinrich, 16, Lottie Clyne, 16, and Ryan Philp, 13, made the trip from the Barossa Valley to the expo for the first time and walked away with the School Team Challenge trophy.
With the trophy awarded for only the second year, the students' combined average points across the course of the three-day event landed them the win ahead of 15 other school teams.
Taking time out of their school holidays might be a deterrent for some, but Olivia and Lottie said it was a worthwhile experience.
"I liked doing the hands-on things, but I was surprised about what we learned from the speakers over the three days," Lottie said.
"I didn't think I'd enjoy them as much as I did and I think I learned a lot."
Not from a family farm, Olivia has started a school-based apprenticeship in order to gain a Certificate 3 in agriculture and said the expo helped her further her connections in the industry.
"There's so many ways to grow (in the) industry and I think it gave us a good understanding of that," she said.
"I also liked the showing part and it gave us good experience for what we need to look for and what we need to do when it comes time for things like the young judging at the show later this year."
Both Lottie and Ryan come from family farms in Naracoorte and Manoora and said they were hopeful their experience would help them down the line.
"I think I really learned about showing sheep but also about the whole industry side of things like marketing, buying and selling and other things," Ryan said.
"I want to be able to expand and improve our farm in the future so the expo helped me get the tools to do that."
RELATED:
Agriculture co-ordinator Craig Moore said the school was proud of the students' achievements at the expo, hailing the event as a worthwhile experience for all in attendance.
"Hearing from a different person other than their school teacher is always great and reinforces some of the ideas we teach them but also allows them to bring ideas back to school and see what we incorporate in our own program," he said.
"It gives them a touch point with professionals to expand their understanding and help to develop links for their future.
"We've got a sheep club at school with students who give up their lunchtimes to learn more about the industry...taking time during their holidays to attend the expo is another way they show how passionate they are."
Mr Moore said the students were sponsored by the Angaston Agricultural Bureau and would attend a meeting to present on their experience.
Katie Jackson
Journalist at Stock Journal. Born into a journo family in the state's South East, Katie made the move to the big smoke to join the team in early 2022 after seven years spent at various mastheads in the regions.
Journalist at Stock Journal. Born into a journo family in the state's South East, Katie made the move to the big smoke to join the team in early 2022 after seven years spent at various mastheads in the regions.
